The Galaxy Activity, Torus, and Outflow Survey (GATOS). (IV): Exploring Ionized Gas Outflows in Central Kiloparsec Regions of GATOS Seyferts

TL;DR

This study uses JWST observations to analyze ionized gas outflows in the central regions of six Seyfert galaxies, revealing diverse gas distributions, disturbed regions likely influenced by radio jets, and consistent outflow rates across the sample.

Contribution

First detailed spatially resolved analysis of ionized gas outflows in multiple Seyfert galaxies using JWST MIRI/MRS data, highlighting the role of AGN-driven jets.

Findings

Ionized gas outflows are present in all six galaxies.

Highly disturbed regions are linked to radio jet activity.

Outflow rates are more narrowly distributed than previously thought.

Abstract

Utilizing JWST MIRI/MRS IFU observations of the kiloparsec scale central regions, we showcase the diversity of ionized gas distributions and kinematics in six nearby Seyfert galaxies included in the GATOS survey. Specifically, we present spatially resolved flux distribution and velocity field maps of six ionized emission lines covering a large range of ionization potentials ($15.8-97.1$ eV). Based on these maps, we showcase the evidence of ionized gas outflows in the six targets, and find some highly disturbed regions in NGC\,5728, NGC\,5506, and ESO137-G034. We propose AGN-driven radio jets plausibly play an important role in triggering these highly disturbed regions. With the outflow rates estimated based on [Ne~{\footnotesize V}] emission, we find the six targets tend to have ionized outflow rates converged to a narrower range than previous finding. These results have important implication for the outflow properties in AGN of comparable luminosity.